countyscore
64.8
County Score
Cost of Living 95.1Safety 92.8Disaster Risk 65

County Report Card

About Magoffin County, Kentucky

Magoffin County Outperforms the National Median

Magoffin County achieves a composite score of 64.8, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests an exceptional level of livability compared to the average United States county.

Leading the Kentucky State Average

Magoffin County's 64.8 score comfortably exceeds the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It stands out as a strong performer within the Commonwealth, particularly in terms of safety and affordability.

Elite Affordability and High Safety

The county boasts a near-perfect cost score of 95.1 and a safety score of 92.8. With median gross rent at just $633 per month and a low home value of $88,300, housing is exceptionally accessible.

Significant Income and Health Hurdles

The local economy faces steep challenges with an income score of 0.7 and a median household income of $33,632. Health outcomes also lag behind, reflected in a low dimension score of 23.5.

Ideal for Remote Workers and Retirees

This county is a premier choice for retirees or remote workers who prioritize safe streets and rock-bottom housing costs. Those who do not rely on the local job market will find the highest value here.

2040608010059.995.192.823.5620.76528.163.3Tax59.9Cost95.1Safety92.8Health23.5Schools62Income0.7Risk65Water28.1Weather63.364.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Magoffin County DNA

D+overall

How Magoffin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Magoffin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (95.1/100) but notably weak in Income (0.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
59.9
Cost
95.1+47.099999999999994
Safety
92.8+37.8
Health
23.5-26.5
Schools
62+8
Income
0.7-50.3
Risk
65+18
Water
28.1-29.9
Weather
63.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$88,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$633/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$88,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $33,632/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

26.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Johnson County
Kentucky
67.4
Breathitt County
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59.8
Morgan County
Kentucky
62.4
Floyd County
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61.3
Wolfe County
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Knott County
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Elliott County
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Lawrence County
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Deep Dives

Magoffin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Magoffin County

via TaxByCounty

Magoffin's low rate vastly undercuts nation

Magoffin County's effective tax rate of 0.728% is less than one-quarter of the national median tax bill of $2,690 on a typical home worth $281,900. This Appalachian county's median home value of just $88,300 means property owners pay far lower absolute dollars than national counterparts.

Magoffin ranks slightly below state average

At 0.728%, Magoffin's rate sits just 1.3% below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it among the state's lower-tax counties. The county's median tax of $643 represents 41% less than Kentucky's state median of $1,093.

Magoffin lowest in its peer group

Magoffin's 0.728% rate edges out Mason County (0.634%) to rank near the bottom regionally, alongside Martin County (0.774%) and Madison County (0.739%). The county's low property values, not low rates, drive the modest tax bills residents see.

Median home carries $643 annual tax

An $88,300 home in Magoffin County incurs roughly $643 in yearly property tax, translating to about $54 monthly for owners without mortgages. Adding mortgage-related assessments raises the typical bill to $1,161.

Appeal if assessed above market value

Even in Magoffin's modest housing market, many homeowners carry inflated assessments relative to what homes actually sell for. Requesting a formal assessment review with your county assessor takes minimal time and could yield meaningful tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Magoffin County

via CostByCounty

Magoffin faces real affordability stress

Magoffin County residents spend 22.6% of income on rent—well above the 17% state average and significantly higher than the national trend toward affordability crisis. The median household income of just $33,632 pushes housing costs to unsustainable levels despite modest $633 monthly rents.

Kentucky's most strained county

Magoffin ranks among Kentucky's worst for housing affordability, with a 22.6% rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the state average by 5.6 percentage points. This burden falls on one of the state's lowest median incomes at $33,632.

Lowest income in the region

Magoffin's $33,632 median income trails all nearby counties—Martin ($46,185), McCreary ($37,355), and Mason ($51,473)—making it the region's most economically challenged. Rent at $633 is lowest in the region, but income constraints make even bargain housing unaffordable.

Modest costs mask income crisis

At $633 monthly rent consuming 22.6% of a $33,632 income, Magoffin residents face genuine hardship despite low absolute housing costs. Homeownership fares slightly better at $473 monthly, but the median home value of $88,300 still represents a steep climb for low-income families.

Magoffin offers cheap housing, limited opportunity

Remote workers or retirees with external income sources may find bargains here, but job-seekers should note Magoffin's $33,632 median income signals limited economic opportunity. Compare income prospects in Martin County ($46,185) or McCreary County ($37,355) before committing to the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Magoffin County

via IncomeByCounty

Magoffin faces significant income gap

Magoffin County's median household income of $33,632 trails the national median of $74,755 by 55%, one of the steepest gaps in the state. Per capita income of $20,024 falls 32% below Kentucky's average of $29,616, signaling economic pressure.

Among Kentucky's lowest earners

Magoffin County ranks near the bottom statewide, with median household income running $22,277 below the state average of $55,909. The county faces systemic economic challenges reflected in wages and employment opportunities.

Struggles compared to surrounding areas

Magoffin's $33,632 median income falls far short of Martin County ($46,185), McCreary County ($37,355), and Marion County ($55,404) nearby. Only McCreary County approaches similar income levels, indicating concentrated economic hardship in eastern Kentucky.

Housing costs strain household budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% means Magoffin residents dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to housing, approaching the federal stress threshold of 30%. With median home values at $88,300, affordability exists for homeownership, but rental households face tighter budgets.

Intentional savings unlock long-term stability

Despite lower median income, Magoffin County residents can build wealth through disciplined saving and employer retirement plans, even modest contributions. Seeking local financial counseling and exploring education opportunities can expand earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Magoffin County

via CrimeByCounty

Magoffin County boasts elite national safety

With a total crime rate of just 103.0 per 100,000 residents, Magoffin County is exceptionally safe compared to the national average of 2,385.5. It achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.8. This low activity level places the county among the most secure regions in the United States.

Ranking high among Kentucky's safest counties

Magoffin County significantly outperforms the Kentucky state average crime rate of 786.2. Its safety score of 99.8 sits well above the already high state average of 98.8. Two dedicated reporting agencies maintain this high level of public security for the community.

Setting the regional standard for safety

Magoffin’s crime rate of 103.0 is even lower than neighboring Martin County’s 141.7. It also maintains a safer profile than McCreary County, which reports a rate of 118.4. Residents enjoy a level of security that is rare even in a low-crime state like Kentucky.

Violent crime is extremely rare here

The county reports a violent crime rate of only 34.3 per 100,000, less than half the state average of 78.1. Property crime is also minimal, affecting only 68.7 per 100,000 residents compared to the national rate of 2,015.7. In practical terms, crime is an infrequent occurrence for most households.

Maintain the county's high safety record

Even in high-safety areas, remaining vigilant helps prevent opportunistic crimes. Consider joining a neighborhood watch or installing basic smart home cameras to deter the few property crimes that do occur. Your proactive steps help keep Magoffin County's safety score at the top of the charts.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Magoffin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education in Magoffin County

Magoffin County operates five public schools within a single unified district, serving a total of 2,014 students. The infrastructure consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Outpace the State

Magoffin County achieves an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 93.8%. The county maintains these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,574 and a school score of 56.3.

A Single District Serving Every Student

The Magoffin County school district manages all 2,014 students, ensuring a consistent curriculum across the entire county. No charter schools exist in this region, allowing the district to focus entirely on its five traditional public campuses.

Close-Knit Rural School Communities

All five schools are situated in rural locales, creating an average school size of 403 students. Magoffin County High School is the largest institution with 637 students, while South Magoffin Elementary offers a smaller setting with 208 students.

Discover Quiet Living Near Top Schools

With graduation rates among the highest in the state, Magoffin County is an attractive option for education-focused families. Consider exploring homes in this rural community where high academic standards are a point of local pride.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Magoffin County

via RiskByCounty

Magoffin ranks below the national average

Magoffin County's composite risk score of 34.99 places it in the 'very low' category, well below the U.S. average of 50.19. However, wildfire risk stands out at 82.06—a significant outlier that warrants local attention despite the county's overall low hazard profile.

Magoffin is among Kentucky's safest counties

At 34.99, Magoffin's composite score sits well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, making it one of the commonwealth's lower-risk areas. Wildfire is the notable exception, where the county's 82.06 score substantially exceeds state norms.

Magoffin is safer than eastern regional peers

Neighboring Martin County scores 49.94 and Madison County 74.84, both significantly riskier than Magoffin's 34.99. Magoffin's exceptionally low tornado risk of 22.11 contrasts sharply with these neighbors, giving it a more favorable overall hazard profile.

Wildfire dominates Magoffin's risk landscape

Wildfire risk at 82.06 is Magoffin's clear standout hazard, nearly double the state average and among the highest in Kentucky. Flooding presents a secondary concern at 60.50, while tornado (22.11) and hurricane risks remain minimal.

Prioritize wildfire defenses and fuel clearance

Create a defensible space around your home by clearing dead trees, brush, and leaves within 30 feet of structures—critical for counties with wildfire risk above 80. Ensure your homeowner's policy covers wildfire damage, and consider a metal roof and ember-resistant vents to reduce ignition risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Magoffin County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Challenges Lead to F Grade

Magoffin receives an F grade due to 9 health violations, resulting in a rate of 75.3 per 100K residents. This rate is more than double the Kentucky state average of 35.7. These violations indicate significant recurring issues with Safe Drinking Water Act compliance.

Assessed Streams Meet Federal Quality Standards

The 2022 EPA report shows that the 2 assessed water bodies in Magoffin County are currently meeting all standards. With a 0% impairment rate, these specific reaches align with the broader state average for assessed waters. However, most water bodies in the county have not yet been evaluated.

Limited Monitoring Data in Federal Portals

There are currently no active monitoring records for this county within the federal Water Quality Portal for the last five years. This data gap makes it difficult to assess real-time chemical or physical changes in local streams. Increased monitoring would help clarify the relationship between watershed health and drinking water quality.

Licking River Discharge Drops Near Record Lows

The Licking River below Mason Fork is currently flowing at 20 cfs, which is only 14% of its 144 cfs long-term mean. These low levels suggest reduced dilution capacity and potential pressure on local aquatic habitats. Low streamflow can also complicate water treatment processes during drought.

Consider Filtration Due to Compliance History

Given the high rate of drinking water violations, residents should consider secondary filtration and stay alert to local boil water advisories. The low streamflow levels further emphasize the need to monitor local water supplies closely. Regular testing of home tap water can provide an extra layer of safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Magoffin County

via SoilByCounty

Navigating the Rugged Magoffin Landscape

Magoffin County currently has limited mapped soil data for pH and taxonomic classification. While the national median pH is 6.5, local growers often contend with the unique acidic profile of the Cumberland Plateau.

Variable Mountain Soil Composition

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available in current federal records for this county. Local experience suggests that soil workability varies significantly between the steep ridges and the narrow valley floors.

Local Knowledge Drives Growth

Without specific data on organic matter or water capacity, gardeners here rely on tradition and personal soil tests. Adding compost can help your plot reach or exceed the state organic matter average of 3.55%.

Watching the Water Flow

No dominant drainage class is currently recorded for the county's soils. Observing runoff patterns after a heavy rain is the best way to determine the best spots for building or planting.

Opportunity in Zone 7a

Falling in Hardiness Zone 7a, Magoffin County supports a wide variety of native plants and cool-weather crops. Even without mapped data, the local climate is perfect for starting a successful vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Magoffin County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Care in Magoffin County

Magoffin County sits in hardiness zone 7a, providing a temperate environment for many common grass types. While a specific local difficulty score is unavailable, the regional climate typically offers a standard transition-zone experience.

Following Regional Climate Trends

While specific local climate data is limited, the area follows the broader Kentucky patterns for mowing and watering. Homeowners should prepare for a standard zone 7a growing season that mirrors neighbors in Eastern Kentucky.

Soil Success Through Local Testing

Localized soil data for pH and clay content is currently unavailable for this county. Conduct a personal soil test to ensure your lawn foundation hits the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH target for nutrient absorption.

High Resilience Against Dry Spells

The county has faced only 2 weeks of drought in the past year, showing better resilience than many western counties. Current conditions show zero percent of the area is abnormally dry, meaning natural rainfall is currently sufficient.

Choosing Your Magoffin Grass Type

Hardy transition-zone grasses like tall fescue are the most reliable choices for this environment. Monitor local weather forecasts to start your planting once the soil warms in late April or early May.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Magoffin County's county score?
Magoffin County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 64.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Magoffin County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Magoffin County ranks #30 among all counties in Kentucky on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Magoffin County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Magoffin County is $643, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Magoffin County a tax score of 59.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Magoffin County?
The median household income in Magoffin County, Kentucky is $33,632 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Magoffin County earns an income score of 0.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Magoffin County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Magoffin County scores 64.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Magoffin County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Magoffin County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.